Twelve South Introduces 'Rutledge' BookBook With New Leather Coloring Technique

Thursday March 13, 2014 3:31 PM PDT by Jordan Golson

South Carolina-based accessory maker Twelve South has introduced a new version of its popular BookBook MacBook case called the Rutledge. Though it has the same basic design as previous BookBook for MacBook cases, the company is proud of a new leather coloring technique that it developed that involves adding and removing color multiple times to enhance the natural look of the leather.

It's so unique that the company's leather expert didn't think it could be done when they began developing the process. Also new is a case specifically designed for the 13" MacBook Pro with Retina Display, which is 7% smaller than it's non-Retina brother. Twelve South is introducing a new version of the classic BookBook to fit that machine as well.

BookBook Rutledge Edition is the most distinctive version of our unique BookBook family. The Rutledge is tailored from premium leather and each mesmerizing cover is a unique work of art. No two look exactly alike. Like our other BookBook models, this beauty features two hardback covers, a rigid spine and a velvety soft padded interior to protect your MacBook. While the case protects your MacBook, the design protects your unique sense of style. The Rutledge Edition is available for MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and MacBook Pro with Retina Display.

The Rutledge ($100), made in India, is aimed at a slightly more premium market than the standard BookBook ($80). It is available from Twelve South's website in four different sizes for the 11" MacBook Air, the 13" MacBook Air/Pro, the 13" MacBook Pro with Retina, and the 15" MacBook Pro with Retina.

There is clearly a market for these things, but personal I think they are just awful.
I do have a case for transporting but my MBP lives out the case whenever it's not in my bag.
To each their own I guess.

Clearly this forum needs more trolls and haters.
Here's something to grumble about...

I use the BookBook on a 15" rMBP.
It gets more complements than anything else I can name, including my charming and intelligent Jack Russell Terriers.

It was protecting that rMBP in my padded backpack's computer sleeve when I wiped out on my newly built road bike last spring. (Cornering too fast, another story for another forum.) If it had not been in the thick leather case, the new machine would have been damaged.

I can hear the cooling fan fire up when crunching large data sets, but the side vents receive ample ventilation and are not blocked by the case zips.

Also, one of the elastic straps that attach it to the display gave out within the warranty period. TwelveSouth replaced it, with free postage and return shipping, and no questions.

The new finish looks great. Also the binding seems to have a proper section of spine, which is lacking in the BookBook classic, as more of a rounded hinge.

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